Has anyone witnessed this phenomenon while cruising? It's also referred to as "ball lightning" although the two are similar but different effects, and are most often seen in the rigging of sailing ships, but have been known to happen on modern vessels as well.
I was on a ferry while wearing a blue helmet off the coast of Cyrus in 1991. I was below decks when some sailors came running, yelling "St. Elmo's!"... I was too late to get above deck.

A friend of mine has said a storm at sea is spectacular on a cruise ship at night. He said a cruise ship Captain on one of his cruises was discussing his encounters with the phenomenon. Any comments?

Aidan

December 19th, 2008 02:25 AM

Re: St. Elmo's Fire

Quote:

Originally Posted by boSeaphus

Has anyone witnessed this phenomenon while cruising?

Never on a cruise. I saw a most spectacular version while flying from New York to Oslo. The pilot pointed it out. It looked like bright green plasma flowing between the clouds. No idea if that was typical or atypical, but the passengers were agog.